The vast array of advertising and commentary in the media – from the numerous ISP (Internet Service Providers) and the NBN itself would lead us to believe that there is no alternative.
However, in many Australian locations, and particularly here on the Sunshine Coast, the answer is NO.
You do have a choice when it comes to telephony and internet solutions, as there are alternatives to the National Broadband Network – including private networks that are built from either fibre, or fixed wireless technology.
What the NBN and leading ISP’s say..
The nbn™ access network will soon replace most existing fixed phone and internet networks. Moving to the nbn™ access network is not automatic- the following services will be permanently disconnected if you do not arrange to switch before the advised disconnection date.
“Will my existing phone and Internet services really stop working if I don’t do anything to switch to the nbn™ network?”
“Yes, this is the case for the 93% of Australian premises connected to the nbn™ access network via a Fixed Line technology. We recommend you move your services over to the nbn™ access network well before they are switched off, which occurs 18 months after the network is switched on in your area.
Source: https://www2.nbnco.com.au/learn-about-the-nbn/what-happens-in-a-power-blackout/information-about-your-landline.html
Many customers may not be aware of the existence of Fixed Wireless technology. The bottom line is that, it’s been around for many years, in many countries and is used to connect hundreds of thousands, homes and businesses. There has been a massive growth in connections across Australia in the last few years – and with continued investment in product development the offering will only continue to improve in quality and cost effectiveness.
Fixed Wireless internet providers like Our Community Broadband (OCB), have built their own broadband network which operates independently of the NBN – and can offer end users benefits that are difficult to achieve on the NBN – a personal local service, a guaranteed speed and a promise to not oversell the network leaving customers struggling to achieve daily tasks. When we put more customers on our network – we increase our capacity to match so that the user experience is always outstanding.
For business, the alternative available from fixed wireless technology is even more compelling. Fixed wireless bandwidth can be tailored, to an end users needs – and the equipment is currently capable of up to 400 Mbps.
A business with 10 employees operating cloud based software, has a significantly higher requirement for bandwidth than a family of four. It is possible that both properties on the NBN are being delivered the same capacity, because it is over the same copper wire.
There are also 3G and 4G plans providing mobile telephony and internet services – which may be an expensive option for pure data consumption is certainly an option many are using rather than continuing with a landline.
OCB General Manager Alice Griffiths commented, “Even though customers can contract to a VOIP telephone service which runs over our broadband platform, the majority are opting to cancel their phone number and use their mobile phones instead. With many mobile plans offering free national and mobile calls, there is even a cost saving to be had. Some customers wish to retain their phone number and we can port their phone numbers for them to keep for the future.”
Delivering internet wirelessly just makes sense. The national budget is not having to fund anything – it’s all being delivered by private enterprise, not just in Australia, but all over the world.
There are no roads to dig up – fixed wireless technology is essentially fibre in the air!
To find out if you can receive our service at your place, just enquire here and we will let you know.
